BRITAIN is braced for the “worst snowstorm in years” to strike tonight bringing up to a foot of snow across the country.

The Met Office has issued a nationwide severe weather warning with an almost unheard of red alert for Wales.

The entire country faces heavy snowfall and blizzards with up to a foot expected on high ground and several inches elsewhere.

The Met Office warned of severe disruption and “severe drifting” of lying snow with bitter gales adding to the mayhem.

The worst affected areas are likely to be Wales, Central England, the Midlands, and the South-west although the entire UK will be affected.

Met Office forecaster Charlie Powell said: “It is looking pretty bad, We are expecting up to a foot of snow in the worst-hit areas with 10cm [4 inches] more widespread.

“People should be prepared for severe disruption and consider whether any journey is essential before they make it.

“The red warning is the severest warning we offer, and it is the first for at least the past two years.”

The Met Office has issued a rare red alert for parts of Wales on Friday /MetOffice

It is looking pretty bad, We are expecting up to a foot of snow in the worst-hit areas

Met Office spokesman

Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, said: “These are some of the worst snowstorms in years and the nation should prepare for very severe weather.”

The snow is expected to arrive in the early hours of tomorrow gradually sweeping across the UK throughout the day.

Train operator East Coast is advising passengers to check before travel tomorrow as heavy snow is forecast across many areas of Britain.

It is working closely with Network Rail to prepare stations, trains and infrastructure, it said.

A spokesman said: “Our advice to customers is, please check for the latest information before setting out, and allow extra time to reach stations as road conditions are expected to deteriorate through the day.”

Parts of Britain, like Tyne and Wear, have already experienced heavy snow fall

Steve Crosthwaite, head of the Highways Agency’s National Traffic Operations Centre said: “It would certainly be a good idea to check the latest forecast before you go to bed tonight so you’re prepared for the morning – and then set your alarm a bit earlier so you have extra time to prepare your car and make your journey in the morning.

“During periods of severe weather we also suggest people consider whether their journey is essential.”